What makes a performance relaxed? We create a judgement-free and inclusive environment for patrons with a wide range of sensory and/or communication differences, including individuals on the autism spectrum, young children, and families who would benefit from a relaxed theatre experience.

Sensory-Friendly performances have been specially designed to serve patrons with sensory sensitivities and other special needs. For these performances, we make the entire experience sensory-friendly in three primary ways:

Production

Front of House

Staff and Volunteer Training

1. The production will be, for the most part, what you would see if you were to attend any other performance. We want you to see the production at its highest artistic integrity and impact while being sensitive to the special needs. Some things will be different, such as:

Adjusting Sound and light levels to reduce sudden changes.

Reducing any potentially startling effects, such as sudden or loud banging.

Keeping the house lights on throughout the performance.

2. Front of house- everything from the lobby to where you are sitting – This is where you will notice the biggest changes. Some adaptations will include:

Relaxing of house rules--you are free to get up, move around, and leave whenever you need to.

Allowing the use of I-pads and other electronics for communication and therapeutic use.

Staffing specially trained volunteers throughout the theater to assist and direct audience members as needed.

Creating quiet areas and activity areas in the lobby should your child need a break that include fidget objects.

3. Everyone--Staff, ushers and volunteers--will be trained prior to the performance. Zoellner Arts Center is working with many local autism and intellectual and developmental disability experts to make sure that everyone involved understands the spectrum of special needs that patrons may have and strategies for helping all patrons through this experience.

What is your ticket refund policy for Relaxed or Sensoery-Friendly performances?

Have to change/cancel you plans at the last minute?

Have to leave shortly after the performance begins?

We know that a special performance requires special attention. Our ticket services office will work with you should you have to change your plans before or after you arrive at the center. Refunds will be available under these special circumstances.

How can I prepare my child or myself for this experience?Zoellner Arts Center wants to ensure that all patrons attending a relaxed or sensory-friendly performance feel comfortable knowing what to expect. Links to materials for each production can be found below and will be sent to all ticket holders approximately two weeks prior to the performance.

You may also visit the arts center at any time we are open to walk the hall and get a first hand experience before you arrive or commit to buying tickets.

COMING SOON

Pre-Visit Stories & Show Guide

Who should attend the performance?Zoellner Art Center strives to create a safe space for families with special needs to come and be who they are with our relaxed and sensory-friendly performances. However, we also realize that there may be other patrons who wish to avail themselves of the adaptations and accommodations that these performance provides.

After careful consideration and discussion with our partners in the autism and IDD community, tickets will be available to the general public for relaxed and sensory-friendly performances. All ticket buyers will receive numerous communications from us that they have purchased tickets for a relaxed performance and what that means.